CPM donation puts wind beneath wings of RFDS WA

Company-wide fundraising efforts within CITIC Pacific Mining (CPM) have resulted in a timely boost for the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia.

CPM Chief Executive Officer Chen Zeng recently visited the facility for Western Australia in Jandakot, to present Chief Executive Officer Grahame Marshall with a $50,000 cheque on behalf of staff, and learn more about the service.

It was also an opportunity for Mr Zeng to update Mr Marshall on construction of the new aerodrome at the company’s Sino Iron project at Cape Preston, 100km south of Karratha.

For the past three years, CPM and its staff have focused fundraising efforts on a not-for-profit organisation. In 2016, the RFDS was identified as a worthy recipient.

The major fundraising activity was an auction at Sino Iron’s main accommodation village, with the help of well-known auctioneer Tiny Holly and a performance from comedy hypnotist Matt Hale. The company matched funds raised by staff and contractors.

Mr Zeng said there were strong synergies between the work of the RFDS and Sino Iron.

“We understand that fast, reliable and high-quality emergency response capability is critical for the best possible health and safety outcomes. It’s a big part of why we’re investing in a new aerodrome – cutting travel time between site and city medical facilities, where every minute can be vital.

“Our staff really appreciate the good work RFDS does for regional communities. We had no hesitation making the service the focus of our fundraising efforts.”

In recent years, CPM has supported organisations such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation and beyondblue.

“We put a lot of thought into the organisations we support. I want to acknowledge our staff and contractors, who are always willing to get involved with these activities,” he said.

Mr Marshall thanked CPM and staff for their support.

“On behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, its patients, and communities right across Western Australia, I want to thank CITIC Pacific Mining for their donation. The fact that staff right across CPM gave so generously demonstrates just how important the Flying Doctor is in giving people peace of mind, no matter where they are throughout our vast State,” Mr Marshall said.

“This money will allow us to continue to provide the finest medical care and life saving outcomes to 65,000 Western Australians every year, ensuring we can be there whenever they need us, wherever they are.”

CPM would like to thank fundraiser supporters Alliance Airlines, Metso, Thrifty, Nickol Bay Jewellers, Coats Hire, Back to Basics Electrical Group and Have Gavel Will Travel Auctioneering.